You Win Some...

Did you follow along with Kendi during the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge? I decided not to participate, but I did dutifully follow many of the bloggers who did. I love the concept of the Challenge, to better learn how to utilize what you already own. More importantly however, I am completely behind the concept of Creating a Better Closet that Kendi has also been working on. If I learned anything from watching so many of the challenge participants, it's that I could probably pair down my closet, and still have plenty of great wardrobe options. As I find myself facing the new year, I am also full of sudden motivation to take a serious look into my closet. What better time than the new year to take a look at some Closet Hits and Misses.

Hits : Both of these items have been major hits in my Closet. The black cardigan should surprise no-one. I have a rather detailed obsession with Cardigans, and this black one has gotten more than it's $7 worth of wear. It's perfect for throwing in my purse, layering over shirts and for making an otherwise casual outfit a bit more fancy. The Denim Shirt was a surprise Hit. I started to see the denim shirt trend sneaking onto blogs, and slowly into Magazines. I was admittedly against the idea, but loved the $3 price tag on this Miley Cyrus for Wal-mart beauty. It was a trend worth trying for $3, and this shirt has gotten a ton of use. The Denim seems to work with almost all other materials, and the light blue is the perfect color for my skin-tone. On top of all of that, this shirt is comfortable. Definate Hit.

Near Miss: I am so surprised to declare these shirts Near Misses. Ruffles tend to be my thing, which is why when I spotted these for $3 a piece at Wal-mart I decided to pick it up in both Black and White. I knew that these would provide a great option for work, and could help to keep any outfit true to my personal style. I stuck to my shopping mantra, and can say that these shirts were thought about before I purchased them. I thought they would be an asset to my closet, which is why I am shocked that I haven't worn them nearly as much as anticipated.

Hit: More like the most important unexpected hit of 2010. I was against the Oxford Trend at first. Not for me, no siree. Than I innocently enough tried on a pair. I was smitten immediately and was so excited when this Black Patent Leather pair arrived for $16 from Kmart.com. There is nothing better than a fancy casual shoe, and these fit that bill splendidly. Not to mention I can wear socks with these and little things like that matter to a girl who lives in the North East.

Hit and Miss: These Red Heels were a great Goodwill purchase in 2009, but spent most of 2010 in hiding. With the help of Kendi however, I remembered just how versatile they were. Suddenly I couldn't think of outfits they wouldn't match with! My re-newed love for my Red Heels are what prompted my purchase of the Red Ked Wedges. This were a definite miss however. The shoes are so cute, and Ked's makes wonderfully comfortable shoes, but by the end of the day my feet were stained bright red. I haven't even been able to squeeze my tooties back in them since. I think my pinky toe is still feeling a bit traumatized from all the soap scrubbing later.

Miss:No-one can be more surprised by these misses than me. When long Cardigans started filling the shelves in 2009, I grabbed 2 ( the blue above and a Maroon Stripped one) knowing how much use they could get. I had a rough time making them work, and figured that in 2010 I would be much more creative. They came out of my closet once, and it was only the blue one and only in the outfit above. I blame it on the length, the thing that first drew me to these items. Both Cardigans stop in the middle of my backside which accents my wide hips. The woes of being tall. I am completely shocked at my inability to re-mix the Lace Cardigan. In fact when I purchased it from Target for $12 I had to talk myself out of buying it in 2 different colors! I actually think that this Cardigan will get more time outside of my closet, once the weather warms up. It provides no warmth which means currently I am only finding ways to wear it with Long Sleeves. It was a miss in 2010 but I think it could still be a win for 2011.

I think one of the best things about a working closet, is that they are always being worked. Some things work, some things don't and the only way to know what will and what won't is to try them out! How did your wardrobe change in 2010? What goals do you have for 2011?